Château de Challeau, Renaissance castle in Villecerf, France.
Château de Challeau is a castle in Villecerf featuring flat roofs of local stone and opening onto gardens on all four sides. Its symmetrical façades and large windows display the hallmarks of Renaissance design.
Construction began in 1543 under Duchess Anne de Pisseleu d'Étampes on land purchased by King Francis I from the Le Groing family. The castle later became a favored retreat for writers and thinkers of the early modern period.
The grounds contained extensive water gardens and landscaped parks spanning 200 acres, with pathways and decorative gardens called jardin des charmilles.
The grounds were once laid out with extensive water gardens and parks that take time to explore fully. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are spacious and the terrain can vary.
During the reign of Henry IV, Voltaire composed sections of his literary work 'La Henriade' at this location, drawing from conversations with Caumartin.
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